THE ROUTE
Sydney (SYD) to Christchurch (CHC), flight NZ226.
THE AIRCRAFT
Airbus A321neo, operated on worldwide routes
LOYALTY SCHEME
Airpoints. Eligible passengers can earn “Airpoints {Dollars}” on Air New Zealand flights, in addition to associate airways and Star Alliance flights. Airpoints {Dollars} may be spent on flights, upgrades, rental vehicles, motels and different advantages.
CLASS
Economic system, seat 29A. The plane is configured as completely financial system class with rows 2 to 9 (seats ABC) and rows 2 to 7 (seats DEF), providing extra space, for an extra price. My “theworks” class fare, charged at a better value than a regular financial system seat, permits for pre-flight seat choice and different perks for a value.
DURATION
Three hours and 5 minutes.
CARBON EMISSIONS
Rated at 0.386 tonnes per financial system class passenger. Air New Zealand’s “FlyNeutral” program permits passengers to offset their share of a flight’s carbon emissions with carbon credit from worldwide initiatives whereas additionally “accelerating biodiversity and local weather outcomes in NZ.” Passengers can contribute to FlyNeutral after they e book their flight or at any time following it.
FREQUENCY
Air New Zealand operates two direct return flights day by day between Sydney-Christchurch-Sydney with different, longer in length, connections every day through Auckland, Queenstown or Wellington. Christchurch Worldwide Airport is a very well-liked vacation spot throughout winter, serving, because it historically does, a gateway to NZ’s ski fields.
CARBON EMISSIONS
Rated at 0.386 tonnes per financial system class passenger. Air New Zealand’s “FlyNeutral” program permits passengers to offset their share of a flight’s carbon emissions with carbon credit from worldwide initiatives whereas additionally “accelerating biodiversity and local weather outcomes in NZ.” Passengers can contribute to FlyNeutral after they e book their flight or at any time following it.
HEALTH
Masks are required to be worn onboard Air New Zealand providers, nonetheless, passengers now not have to be vaccinated for COVID-19 to fly. Earlier than arriving into NZ, Australians should full the “New Zealand Journey Declaration” (travellerdeclaration.govt.nz) with vaccination particulars to be included. There’s extra data on entry necessities to NZ at covid19.govt.nz
CHECKING IN
Air New Zealand formally recommends checking in 1.5 hours earlier than your worldwide flight however, with the continued state of world journey, it is value arriving even earlier, particularly when you have baggage to be checked, so you’ll be able to cut back the inevitable stress masses. The self-service bag drop course of on the Air New Zealand counter at Sydney Airport is queue-less and hassle-free. Nevertheless, additional alongside, the strains at passport management and safety are prolonged although orderly and are available full with strategically-placed digital signage adverts interesting for desperately wanted airport staff.
THE SEAT
There are 214 financial system seats, every with a 74 to 83 centimetre pitch in a 3-3 single aisle configuration throughout 37 rows. All the seats are upholstered in surprisingly snug black leather-based however do not get too used to them as Air New Zealand is planning to part out such coverings in favour of extra sustainable lighter-weight material material. It is all a part of an formidable overhaul plan that features a marketing campaign to cut back fuel-guzzling weight wherever doable.
BAGGAGE
For financial system class passengers, there is a restrict of 23 kilograms for checked baggage and 7 kilograms for carry-on.
ENTERTAINMENT
My “theworks” fare consists of meal and drinks (see beneath) in addition to “full gate-to-gate entry” to the airline’s inflight leisure system which incorporates movies, TV, music and video games.
FOOD
A sizzling meal, with a alternative of Italian rooster or beef rendang, is obtainable, together with drinks. The previous dish, with the inevitable crimson sauce, is surprisingly palatable for an financial system flight.
ONE MORE THING…
Think about stopping some time in Christchurch relatively than transiting instantly to a different a part of NZ. The nation’s second largest metropolis has been largely, and relatively stunningly, rebuilt because the damaging 2011 earthquake and has a lot to supply, together with its Canterbury area South Island meals bowl hinterlands. See christchurchnz.com
THE VERDICT
Air New Zealand frequently charges far more extremely than its greater Australian counterparts on world airline rating lists. You’ll be able to inform why, even on an all-economy service like this one which may tutor our supposed low-fare carriers. Except for the prolonged pre and post-boarding queues on the airports on both aspect of the Tasman, this can be a clean, environment friendly and wholly nice flight (no imply feat these harried days) overseen by a characteristically succesful and congenial cabin crew.
OUR RATING OUT OF FIVE
★★★★
Anthony Dennis travelled as a visitor of Air New Zealand and Tourism New Zealand. See airnewzealand.com.au; newzealand.com
